During the summer, a disturbing trend has emerged whereby swimmers and surfers have developed a strange red, itchy, and blistering rash on their arms, legs, and torsos.

Many of them have referred to it as seabather’s eruption, while some have coined the term “ocean itch.” Whatever its name, the condition has left people scratching their heads and wondering what is causing it and how they can avoid it.

What is sea bather’s eruption?

Seabather’s eruption is a type of itchy rash that can appear after swimming in seawater. It is caused by a type of jellyfish larva called the sea anemone.

These larvae are microscopic and not visible to the naked eye, but they contain stinging cells that can irritate the skin.

When these larvae come into contact with human skin, they secrete venom that causes an itchy rash. The rash can appear anywhere from a few hours to several days after swimming in seawater that contains these jellyfish larvae.

It typically affects areas of the body that were covered by a swimsuit, such as the groin, chest, and abdomen.

What are the symptoms of bather’s eruption?

The symptoms of seabather’s eruption can vary from person to person, but they can include:.

An itchy, red rash that appears several hours to days after exposure to seawater.
Blisters that may develop in severe cases
Swelling
Burning or stinging sensation in the affected area

How to treat seabather’s eruption?

The good news is that seabather’s eruption is usually not a serious condition and goes away on its own within several days. However, there are a few things you can do to relieve the symptoms:.

Apply a cool compress to the affected area to soothe the itching and burning
Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to relieve the itching. (Consult your doctor before taking any medication.)
Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection.
Consult your doctor if the rash is severe or lasts longer than a week.

How to prevent seabather’s eruption?

If you want to prevent seabather’s eruption, you can take the following precautions:.

Avoid swimming in seawater if a warning has been issued about jellyfish outbreaks
Avoid wearing dark-colored swimsuits because they can attract jellyfish larvae
Wear a wetsuit or a rash guard to protect your skin from jellyfish larvae
Rinse your skin with fresh water after swimming in seawater to remove any jellyfish larvae
Avoid sitting on the beach where there are seaweed and decaying matter that could harbor jellyfish larvae

Bizarre Rash From Sea Water Exposure and Sunlight

While seabather’s eruption is the most common rash that can result from exposure to seawater, there is another rash that has been reported recently.

This rash is known as phytophotodermatitis and occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain plants, such as wild parsnip or limes, and is then exposed to sunlight.

Phytophotodermatitis can cause a strange patterned rash on the affected area of the skin and is often accompanied by blistering and burning.

The rash typically appears within 24 to 48 hours of exposure to the plant, and the symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

How to Treat Phytophotodermatitis?

If you think you have phytophotodermatitis, you should avoid going out in the sun and see a doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream to reduce the inflammation and itching.

You should also avoid further exposure to the plant that caused the rash, as well as any other plants in the same family.

Conclusion

Spending time by the ocean is a great way to relax and have fun during the summer months. However, exposure to seawater can sometimes result in a strange rash that can be both uncomfortable and unsightly.

Understanding the causes of these rashes and taking the necessary precautions can help you enjoy the beach without worrying about developing a strange, bizarre rash that can put a damper on your summer fun.